Pre-Purchase Survey

[CaptDan-ce]

Looking to get some thoughts on not needing a pre-purchase survey on a boat that has been surveyed 2 years ago.

Any thoughts or advice?

 

[Mustang65fbk]

How do you know that the boat was surveyed two years ago? Is it a private party sale or from a dealership? If a reputable Grady White dealership or one that you feel like you can trust, I'd feel a bit better about that. But, I always recommend anyone doing a survey just to be on the safe side, especially boats that are over 10-15 years old now. They're usually less than $1k and will help you figure out any and all issues that are wrong with the boat.

 

[CaptDan-ce]

How do you know that the boat was surveyed two years ago? Is it a private party sale or from a dealership? If a reputable Grady White dealership or one that you feel like you can trust, I'd feel a bit better about that. But, I always recommend anyone doing a survey just to be on the safe side, especially boats that are over 10-15 years old now. They're usually less than $1k and will help you figure out any and all issues that are wrong with the boat.

The seller provided me the survey he had done before he purchased the boat in 2022. It was done by an accredited marine surveyor.

 

[glacierbaze]

Model and year? Do you have access to the previous survey? And the service records?

 

[Hookup1]

The real value in a survey is protecting you from the big expenses not the silly stuff. Transom integrity, fuel tanks and hull condition. They don't usually do engines. These are the big "latent defects" that will cost you down the road. You really should listen to surveyor. Watch him and look around. Ask questions. It's too easy to fall in love with a boat and not see/hear what is going on. As my best friend always says: "They are are all sinking - only difference is how fast.". Older boats with wood transoms are hard to evaluate. Take it all into consideration and make your own decision with your experts advice.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

The seller provided me the survey he had done before he purchased the boat in 2022. It was done by an accredited marine surveyor.

Sounds as though it's a private party seller? If you know and trust the person, then maybe... but if it was me personally, I'd still spend the money, get my own surveyor that is working for me and not for the seller from two years ago Also, why is the seller selling the boat after only two years?

 

[kirk a]

The amount of time since last survey is not as important as your knowledge of boats. IMO one of the best parts of a survey is to have an impartial third person go over every part and system on the boat with you. There were so many things that the survey showed me which later I needed - locations of specific pumps, holding tanks, etc. that would have taken a long time to uncover on my own. Not as easy to just look at the document and understand the nuances of it all. I find that the survey document has been a great resource when something seems wrong with the boat - especially as it is an hour away.

 

[seasick]

The previous survey can be handy especially if it identified issues. If so, ask what was done to resolve those issues or if they still exist. Look at the previous survey for signs that the 'accredited' surveyor was on the ball. One item I look for is that the moisture report includes the weather conditions, when the boat was hauled and the make and model of the moisture meter. If the report does not include such info, I have my doubts about the quality of the report.
All that said, this is what I always tell folks who ask your question; If you don't get a survey and the boat turns out to be a really bad choice due to unforeseen conditions, would you be seriously hurt financially and/or loose sleep over your decision or would you look at it as just a bad decision and a learning experience?? If it would hurt, I advise both a hull survey and a motor evaluation.

By the way, the difference between an accredited surveyor and a really good accredited survey is one who has first hand experience with your make and model of boat. You should ask a potential surveyor what he or she sees in the field and what he or she would specifically look for on your model.

Surveyors who do insurance claim investigations often have a broader knowledge base.

 

[Fishtales]

I agree a nice start point. I'd see if the surveyor could do a focused survey, maybe on the engines and cored areas and save you some money. You only get to buy once, don't want to find out there are issues that you gotta fix because you tried to save a few $. Boating is expensive with a decent boat, it can get real expensive and some (family or self) could lose the shine if you have issues on the water or a boat that needs a lot of work.

 

[Beyond A Wake]

If it is an older boat TWO YEars can be very destructive. If it is a newer boat then it is mainly a question of how it has been cared for. I have always done the surveys myself but all boats I've sold have been professionally surveyed. And as I am meticulous there has never been anything found to fix, actually yes one hinge was once a little loose.
Engine surveys are usually separate and there hours and service records matter. Recently at my marina the replaced the entire motor head (long block) on a 2018 Verado with 250 hours, so hours only will not tell you about internal failures or history.
If you are not technically inclined I would for a bigger boat (older) always survey it for structural integritty and motors for condition incl compressions etc.

H

 

[232Grady]

Accredited? I can be Accredited for 50 bucks! Yes survey it, with a Nam's or Sam's surveyor. Sometimes your insurance company will demand you have a current survey.
More important, have a qualified mechanic do a mechanical inspection with download first! If he or you think something is out of wack, stop the rest. If satisfied with download continue and include a water pump service & anodes. Put NEW spark plugs in, you are already paying the labor to remove them.
You will then start with a clean slate. My 2 $!

 

[luckydude]

What 232Grady said. Do a 300 hour service on the engine and see what you find.

You never said what model and year, that makes a huge difference. I have a 2020 boat, I believe surveying it would be a waste of money. On a 10 year old boat or older, I don't care if it was surveyed 3 months ago, I'd be inclined to do it again.

Please share year/model and pics if you can. Especially any of the bilge and any cubby holes in the deck.

 

[232Grady]

Sounds as though it's a private party seller? If you know and trust the person, then maybe... but if it was me personally, I'd still spend the money, get my own surveyor that is working for me and not for the seller from two years ago Also, why is the seller selling the boat after only two years?

It always amuses me when people want know "why are you selling"? Why are you buying?

 

[Irish eyes]

If your financing , a survey may be mandatory . Also surveyor will do comparable boat sales in your area the $ .450 cheap Insurance for piece of mind